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Preparing for adulthood

Preparing for Adulthood is an important part of planning for the future and exploring the opportunities, choices and support that may shape adult life. It is about helping young People, families and professionals think about future hopes, aspirations, opportunities and support needs, whilst ensuring that the individual remains at the centre of decision-making. 

Every young Person is different, and there is no single pathway into adulthood. People will have different goals, interests, strengths and aspirations, and may require different levels of support throughout their lives. Preparing for Adulthood encourages a person-centred approach that focuses on what matters most to the individual, helping them to make informed choices about their future and achieve outcomes that are meaningful to them. 

Planning for adulthood may involve thinking about a wide range of areas, including employment, further learning, independent living, health and wellbeing, relationships, community participation, finances, housing, travel and accessing appropriate support. It is an ongoing process that develops over time and often involves families, education providers, health professionals, social care teams and other partners working together. 

To support Learners, families and professionals, we have provided a range of useful resources and links on this page. This includes information from the local authorities associated with each Oakwood campus, alongside wider Preparing for Adulthood resources that may help you explore future opportunities, services and support available within your local area. 

We encourage Learners, parents, carers and professionals to explore the information below and use it to support positive conversations, informed planning and successful transitions into adult life. 

Campus Specific Links:

Dawlish Campus

Lots of young People start thinking about living independently as they get older. The skills needed to live independently include cooking, housekeeping, travelling and handling money. There are a lot of things that can be done to help prepare for the future and for adult life. 

  • Travel and transport 
  • Finding somewhere to live 
  • Keeping yourself safe 
  • Daily living skills 
  • Managing your money 
  • Reaching for independence 

https://www.devon.gov.uk/children-families-education/send-local-offer/preparing-for-adult-life-ages-14-25-years/living-independently/ 

Lots of young people start thinking about living independently as they get older. The skills needed to live independently include cooking, housekeeping, travelling and handling money. There are a lot of things that can be done to help prepare for the future and for adult life. 

  • Travel and transport 
  • Finding somewhere to live 
  • Keeping yourself safe 
  • Daily living skills 
  • Managing your money 
  • Reaching for independence 

https://www.devon.gov.uk/children-families-education/send-local-offer/preparing-for-adult-life-ages-14-25-years/living-independently/ 

Staying healthy and being able to manage your own health needs is an important part in preparing for adult life. Our guidance will help you to prepare for the move from children’s to adult health services. 

  • Health support services 
  • Moving to adult health care services 
  • Physical wellbeing 

https://www.devon.gov.uk/children-families-education/send-local-offer/preparing-for-adult-life-ages-14-25-years/health-and-wellbeing/  

Social and community skills are an important part of adult life and being involved in community groups can help build self-confidence and independence. 

  • Volunteering 
  • Leisure and social activities 
  • Using the internet and social media 
  • Register to vote 
  • Friends and relationships 

https://www.devon.gov.uk/children-families-education/send-local-offer/preparing-for-adult-life-ages-14-25-years/being-a-part-of-your-community/ 

When you reach the age of 16 and are no longer in compulsory education you can begin to make your own decisions. This can include taking control of your education, health and care plan if you are able to and preparing to live more independently. 

  • Your rights 
  • The Mental Capacity Act 
  • Advocacy 
  • A person-centre approach 

https://www.devon.gov.uk/children-families-education/send-local-offer/preparing-for-adult-life-ages-14-25-years/making-your-own-decisions/  

If you have explored all the options available to you and still feel that you need more support, you can ask Devon County Council to carry out a care needs assessment. 

https://www.devon.gov.uk/adult-social-care/assessments/care-support-needs-assessments/ 

Once young people turn 16 they can claim any benefits and allowances in their own right. Young people might start to earn their own money too, perhaps through an apprenticeship, or starting part-time work 

  • Disability benefits 
  • Benefits if you’re on a low income 
  • Health or social care support 

https://www.devon.gov.uk/children-families-education/send-local-offer/money/benefits-and-allowances/

DiAS gives information advice and support about special educational needs. You can contact them about any SEND issue, including those that are about health and social care needs. They give advice and support to children, young people and  parent carers who have a child with SEN, with or without a diagnosis. 

https://devonias.org.uk/

Torpoint Campus

As a child grows into a young adult, the journey toward independence and adult life begins. This transition requires thoughtful planning and support.  This is especially for young people with SEND and those with Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans 

  • What is Transition? 
  • Preparing for Transition 
  • Preparing for Adulthood 
  • Travel Assistance 
  • Key Principles for All Transitions 
  • Support in Cornwall 

https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/schools-and-education/special-educational-needs/education-health-and-care-plans/transitions-and-preparing-for-adulthood/#opportunities  

As a child grows into a young adult, the journey toward independence and adult life begins. This transition requires thoughtful planning and support.  This is especially for young people with SEND and those with Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans 

  • What is Transition? 
  • Preparing for Transition 
  • Preparing for Adulthood 
  • Travel Assistance 
  • Key Principles for All Transitions 
  • Support in Cornwall 

https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/schools-and-education/special-educational-needs/education-health-and-care-plans/transitions-and-preparing-for-adulthood/#opportunities  

Headstart Kernow offers training courses and events, information, signposting and resources. These are designed to help build resilience and mental wellbeing for children and young people. 

https://www.headstartkernow.org.uk/

The Neurodiversity Hub forms a part of the early help offer of support for children, young people, and their families. The Hub covers a wide range of topics including preparing for adulthood and living independently. 

https://parentcarerscornwall.org.uk/neurodiversity/  

 

Healthy Cornwall helps and supports Cornwall residents to lead a happy and healthy lifestyle.  

https://www.healthycornwall.org.uk/ 

Cornwall Opportunities has information about all options available post-16. It aims to provide young people, families, parents, carers and SENCOs with information about all the options available as each young person explores and makes choices for post-16 education and training. 

https://www.cornwall-opportunities.co.uk/post-16-send/post-16-send/ 

PIASS is a confidential, impartial, information advice and support service on issues related to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) for families living in the Plymouth local authority area. 

https://www.plymouthias.org.uk/  

Yate Campus

Pathway to independence guides 

Informative guides relating to the pathways to adulthood that can be used by education settings, professionals and families to help young people think about planning and preparing for their future.  

  • Education 
  • Employment  
  • Health  
  • Community inclusion 
  • Independent living 
  • Travel training 

https://life.southglos.gov.uk/kb5/southglos/directory/advice.page?id=7YyyXbwUKl4&localofferchannel=7-2

Pathway to independence guides 

Informative guides relating to the pathways to adulthood that can be used by education settings, professionals and families to help young people think about planning and preparing for their future.  

  • Education 
  • Employment  
  • Health  
  • Community inclusion 
  • Independent living 
  • Travel training 

https://life.southglos.gov.uk/kb5/southglos/directory/advice.page?id=7YyyXbwUKl4&localofferchannel=7-2

There are many things to consider when deciding where to live. These articles will explain what options are available when making this decision. 

  • Options to rent 
  • Options to buy 
  • Options for people with disabilities or health needs 

https://life.southglos.gov.uk/kb5/southglos/directory/advice.page?id=ew9hrMVzsxU&localofferchannel=7-3 

This webpage provides information on the costs of adult social care and support if you live in your own home, the ways to pay them, and how to apply for help to cover these if you are eligible. 

  • Care and support plans and personal budgets 
  • Understanding charging arrangements and likely costs 
  • Capacity to make decisions 
  • Self-funded care and adaptations 
  • Getting a financial assessment 
  • Ways to pay 
  • Further information and getting independent financial advice 

 

Support to live in your own place 

This webpage details the support that is available depending on your needs that can help you to live independently.  

  • Supported living 
  • Housing options video 
  • Shared lives scheme 
  • Housing related support 
  • Adjustments needed to your house 
  • Homeshare West 
  • Further information    

https://life.southglos.gov.uk/kb5/southglos/directory/advice.page?id=h3ATJqOnq0c&localofferchannel=7-3  

You may also find the My Own Home: a guide to housing for people with learning disabilities Easy Read document useful.  

Information and advice for young people with SEND around managing money, including paying for support. 

  • Benefits information and advice 
  • Work related benefits and support 

https://life.southglos.gov.uk/kb5/southglos/directory/advice.page?id=h3ATJqOnq0c&localofferchannel=7-3 

Travelling confidently and safely as a young person with SEND. 

  • Financial help with travel and getting around 
  • Get support with driving 
  • Getting around walking and cycling 
  • Help with travelling by public transport if you have SEND. 

https://life.southglos.gov.uk/kb5/southglos/directory/results.page?searchtype=advice&view=fromcategory&localofferchannel=7-5

Health and wellbeing information for young people with SEND. 

  • Annual Health Checks for people aged over 14 years with a learning disability 
  • Complaints, compliments and feedback for health services 
  • Getting support with eating disorders 
  • Health screening for people with learning disabilities  
  • Looking after your health 
  • Looking after your mental health and wellbeing 
  • Relationships and sexual health for young people with SEND 

https://life.southglos.gov.uk/kb5/southglos/directory/results.page?searchtype=advice&view=fromcategory&localofferchannel=7-6

Staying safe online or when you go out, forming relationships and friendships, and things to do in South Gloucestershire for young people with SEND. 

  • Making friends if you have a special educational need or disability  
  • Online safety for young people 
  • South Gloucestershire youth empowerment sessions 
  • Staying safe when you go out 
  • Where to go and community activities for young people with SEND 

https://life.southglos.gov.uk/kb5/southglos/directory/results.page?searchtype=advice&view=fromcategory&localofferchannel=7-7

SEND and You (SAY), formerly known as Supportive Parents, provide information, advice and support about SEND to children and young people up to 25 years old and their parents and carers. 

https://life.southglos.gov.uk/kb5/southglos/directory/service.page?id=r8ZRSE3UtI4#:~:text=Telephone%20Support%20%E2%80%93%20You%20can%20speak,the%20form%20on%20our%20website.

Alumni Network

GET IN TOUCH

If you would like to find out more about Oakwood, please fill in the form below or contact:

Principal: Esther Williams
Tel: +44 (0)330 135 8 170
Email: [email protected]
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Autism Accreditation

  • Autism Accreditation is an autism-specific quality assurance programme.
  • It was set up by the National Autistic Society in 1992 to improve the support available to autistic people in organisations throughout the UK and across the world.
  • Over 500 organisations in the UK and around the world are now accredited, including: adult services, colleges, inclusion units, local authorities, playgroups, prisons, schools, short break services and more.
  • To achieve Autism Accreditation, provisions have to meet a standard of excellence and follow a framework for continuous self-examination and development.
  • For more information about Autism Accreditation or to get involved, please visit: www.autism.org.uk/accreditation.

“Outstanding in all Areas”...

A place where young people achieve amazing things!

“Learners regularly exceed the
expectations of their EHC plan, such as
gaining meaningful paid employment”

“Learners make excellent progress
from their starting points”

“Leaders have integrated a range of
highly individualised therapeutic
interventions and approaches into
the curriculum effectively”

“Learners behave impeccably and are
keen to contribute to teaching sessions
and discussions”

“Learners gain an excellent understanding
of appropriate behaviours and
healthy relationships”

“Staff support learners to participate in
high-quality work experience activities
linked to long-term goals and interests”

Esther Williams

I have been College Principal at Oakwood Specialist College since 2018. It is an absolute privilege to lead a team of dedicated and caring people that put the learner at the centre of everything they do.

Prior to joining Oakwood, I held a number of senior posts in large Further Education Colleges in the Southwest including Head of Faculty and Assistant Director with responsibility for Quality and Student experience. I have led and taught on teacher education programmes and worked with schools and prison education. In my early career I was lecturer in Sport, and my first teaching role was in foundation learning working with young people with SEND. I have extensive experience in quality improvement and teaching, learning and assessment and am passionate about supporting teacher development.

Wanda Green

Throughout my life I have enjoyed supporting children in a variety of settings. I started out as a Cub Scout Leader, moving onto an Officers position in the Army Cadet Force. Whilst at University, I took advantage of the long holidays working for a children’s adventure company as an activity instructor. I started work in the children’s residential sector in 2000. Since this time, I have worked in several roles including Support Worker, Children’s Homes Manager, Project Manager and Regional Manager. I held direct responsibility for Safeguarding working as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) within several of the settings I was allocated to.

I joined Phoenix in June 2018 as an Area Manager. Moving into a Quality role in 2020 my involvement across our settings increased to include adults and education. Currently I support the Senior Leadership Team education and care to review safeguarding policies and procedures, provide consistency of systems for the management of safeguarding concerns and oversee wider aspects of safeguarding such as training.

My role within governance is to support and review the processes of Safeguarding within the College. I have regular direct contact with the DSL and Deputy DSL’s across the campus’s in order to reflect on safeguarding approaches with Learners and our Team Members. I oversee that actions set within Internal Safeguarding Quality Audits are completed and that training and mentoring for the College teams is appropriate. It is our responsibility working within a multi-disciplinary team to ensure the safety of the Learners and Team Members both within the College Campus and in their home locations.

Darren Jackson

I have been involved in the governance processes for specialist residential colleges, schools and health care settings from 2004. I joined Phoenix in 2021.

My role within the governance team is to support and challenge the College Principal in ensuring that the highest quality of outcomes is achieved. This includes day-to-day operational efficiency and a culture of continual improvement and self-refection. I have specific responsibility as Link Governor for RSE.

I commenced my educational career in 1998. I helped to create one of Wales’ specialist flagship schools for pupils aged 3-19 with profound and complex needs, including autism. My inspirational approach to teaching and learning was recognised by the Welsh Government and as such I became a standard bearer for the teaching of learners with complex needs. I was instrumental in opening and developing Wales’ first Residential Specialist College for young people and adults with Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) and behaviours that challenge.

I am an experienced Director for educational services and Responsible Individual which has included formal education, residential care and the day-to-day operations of clinical services, within a team of almost 1600. I was accountable for leading governance and quality assurance proceedings and developing clear robust systems and process for service wide self-evaluation and risk management resulting in a strategic and transparent vision for growth and development. This included scribing company policies, oversee all safeguarding procedures management of teams to fulfil requirements that ensure pupil safety. I remained actively involved in further promoting the understanding of autism within mainstream education and the wider community; delivering training on ASC for schools, colleges and general public as well as the initial teacher training students at The University of South Wales who are studying on the post-graduate certificate of education programme.

I constantly seek to raise awareness of specialist education, including autism amongst professionals and the general public, speaking on TV and radio and writing articles for the local, national and specialist media.

Tom Massie

I joined Phoenix in 2017 as Group Quality & Service Delivery Director with a direct remit for our care operations and quality teams. In 2019 I joined the team of Governors for Oakwood Specialist College with a focus on Teaching & Learning. As an organisation we have during this time developed the robustness of our internal management structures by introducing an Operations Director and a Quality Manager to support in the oversight and governance of the college.

I am educated to Master level with degrees in Economics and Statistics & Management Science. I have worked as a Director within multiple companies spanning a range of care and education services giving me significant familiarity with regulatory and governance standards across multiple regulators and countries.

My experience working with people with additional learning needs gives me the determination that the quality of their education must be inspiring and innovative to meet their individual needs.

Paula Thomas

Having joined Phoenix in 2025, Paula is responsible for leading the company’s financial strategy, performance, reporting, and long-range business planning, as well as stakeholder relations, treasury, tax planning, controlling, and audit.

A fellow chartered accountant with over 25 years experiences in various companies spanning the engineering, and manufacturing sectors, Paula has worked in PE backed, corporate, and private businesses, through periods of rapid growth, complex changes, and numerous global events.

Paula’s career has progressed in organisations such as Wood Thilsted (Offshore Wind Consultancy), Nonwovenn (Technical Fabrics) , Stirling dynamics (Aviation & Marine), Specialist Aviation Services (Aviation), and Knorr Bremse (Rail).

In her free time, Paula enjoys travelling, paddleboarding, self-development, and spending time with friends.

Jon Pain

On joining Phoenix in 2015 I became chair of Governors at the Oakwood Specialist College with a remit to improve financial stability and the quality of the setting as part of overarching improvements to the Phoenix organisation in my substantive role as Chief Executive.

Today the focus is on facilitating high quality education by, in part, improving curriculums and teaching and ensuring Learners are best equipped with communication skills and experiences to ensure they are participative members of society.

I have held senior appointments across a range of sectors including manufacturing, media, logistics, tourism and healthcare with a number of respected well-known companies both at International, national and regional levels. I have worked with numerous regulators including; Care Inspectorate Wales, Care Inspectorate Scotland, Ofsted, Estyn, CQC, The Office of Rail & Road and Ofcom.

I have experience of trusteeship with a range of charities including Ltd, CIC & PLC structures.

I have a daughter who is now in her late twenties who successfully passed through private primary and then secondary state education, college then university and a partner who is an artist.

I strive for our Learners to enjoy their time at Oakwood, to strive to achieve the best they can and to be productive and contributing members of society. I also want to see our Team Members experience fulfilling careers making a positive difference to the People we Support and to enrich in turn their own lives.

Feedback from last Academic year

Philosophy on feedback

As part of our approach to reflective practice Phoenix Learning and Care recognise and embrace the importance of developing a culture of continual learning and development.  We welcome feedback on our achievements and the opportunity to share best practice, however we equally understand the importance of learning from our shortfalls. As such we welcome hearing about where we may have not lived up to our high standards and we truly value the opportunity to reflect and learn about areas that we need to develop further.

Within the last academic year we have received the following number of compliments and complaints.  

COMPLIMENTS
1
COMPLAINTS
0

If you would like to provide feedback to the school or wish to make us aware of a compliment or complaint then you can email the school direct.

Alternatively, you may contact our Operations Director for Education, Darren Jackson on: [email protected]

We treat all concerns appropriately and all complaints are investigated thoroughly following our complaints policy and procedure which can be found within the Policies section of this website.  

REFERRALS

Our proprietors Phoenix Learning and Care, welcome enquiries for placements in any of our services.

Please call us on 03330 150331 or email [email protected]

We will provide an initial response to all enquiries as soon as possible, advising the options available and indicative dates of admission.

The referrals team can discuss the local offer and where appropriate, put you in contact with the respective Registered Manager or Head Teacher to discuss the practical areas in greater detail.

The Young Person and/or Student are openly encouraged to visit along with parents, guardians or Social Workers to see if the placement is suitable.

Once the placement is confirmed, we work to ensure a smooth transition including the completion of required documentation.

EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY

We work closely with our children/young people, their families and professionals to create bespoke programmes of learning for students, which are tailored to their educational and social and emotional needs, supporting them to achieve their full potential. This means that we deliver a personalised curriculum, which, where possible, acknowledges the national curriculum and meets the individual needs of our students, whilst also supporting them to meet the outcomes identified in their EHCPs.

To achieve this, every student has an individual education plan which identifies their areas of need and how we can best address them, both in terms of staff approach and the curriculum that they are provided.  Our goal is to provide access to the best academic outcomes possible as well as preparing our students for adulthood and the next stage of their education by equipping them with the skills required to achieve personal success.